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the Core 2 Duo Mini can accept 2x2GB modules, though only 3GB will be usable.
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Many users have been successful installing 2x2GB for a total of 3GB.

I presume some of us know (but I didn't) about OWC's testing with mismatched pairs. Their conclusion was that getting 3 GB from a mismatched 1 + 2 set was a good thing to do, compared to using a matched set of 2 +2 to get a total of 3.

Quote:

Although the Core 2 Duo Mac mini is limited to 3.0GB addressed, the 4GB Set (2GB x 2 Pair) does appear enable 128 Bit addressing. While there does seem to be a small performance benefit gained with the 4.0GB vs. 3.0GB config, we'd recommend sticking with 3.0GBs max (in Core 2 Duos) unless you absolutely are seeking every last trickle of performance boost possible.

Their conclusion was that getting 3 GB from a mismatched 1 + 2 set was a good thing to do, compared to using a matched set of 2 +2 to get a total of 3.

From reading their conclusion, I interpreted it as the 1+2GB config was "better" simply due to cost. 2+2GB had a performance increase, though very slight, and for most users, it won't offset the price difference.

From reading their conclusion, I interpreted it as the 1+2GB config was "better" simply due to cost. 2+2GB had a performance increase, though very slight, and for most users, it won't offset the price difference.

However when that article was written, the cost difference between the various modules was larger so it made a bigger point to be cost conscious. With today's pricing, that gap diminishes even further.

Hmm.. Either those prices I linked went up in the last few hours, or the site dynamically prices lower if you link from www.dealram.com (appears they do adjust pricing based on the referring site: this link should pull up a $20 module).

Go easy on me I'm relatively new to this forum (not to computers) although I have looked at it from time to time. It's definitely time to upgrade my memory and was wondering whats the max I could put and can I get some recommendations on what brand.
Thanks in advance._________________I love how it says I'm a new member but I've been around since 07 lol

Go easy on me I'm relatively new to this forum (not to computers) although I have looked at it from time to time. It's definitely time to upgrade my memory and was wondering whats the max I could put and can I get some recommendations on what brand.
Thanks in advance.

As you have a Core Duo processor you can install up to 2gb of ram. You can't go far wrong with crucial as you simply choose your Computer from a series of drop down menus so they guarantee compatibility and I think you get a lifetime warranty._________________MacBook 1.83Ghz C2D, 2GB Ram, 160GB 7200rpm HDD, OS X 10.6.5
Harman Kardon Soundsticks II
Elgato EyeTV
iPhone 4 Black 16GB

As you have a Core Duo processor you can install up to 2gb of ram. You can't go far wrong with crucial as you simply choose your Computer from a series of drop down menus so they guarantee compatibility and I think you get a lifetime warranty.

I'm planning to upgrade to a core2duo (if possible) in the future. Would that change the amount to ram I'm able to install?_________________I love how it says I'm a new member but I've been around since 07 lol

I'm planning to upgrade to a core2duo (if possible) in the future. Would that change the amount to ram I'm able to install?

I think it is a limitation on the motherboard, the processor has no impact on how much RAM you can install. So a 1.66Ghz Core Duo can accept 2gb and if you upgrade it to a Core 2 Duo you will still be capped at 2gb._________________MacBook 1.83Ghz C2D, 2GB Ram, 160GB 7200rpm HDD, OS X 10.6.5
Harman Kardon Soundsticks II
Elgato EyeTV
iPhone 4 Black 16GB

I think it is a limitation on the motherboard, the processor has no impact on how much RAM you can install. So a 1.66Ghz Core Duo can accept 2gb and if you upgrade it to a Core 2 Duo you will still be capped at 2gb.

Ok so you confirmed what I was thinking, thanks alot._________________I love how it says I'm a new member but I've been around since 07 lol

I got my Kingston KTA-MB667K2/4G for USD 87 from shopdango.com and now I'm runnig very smooth. It is strange that "About this Mac" shows 4G but system uses 3G. It's 10.5.3, may be they will enable all the 4G in a new release. This could be done actually.

I originally wanted to buy my RAM from OWC (macsales.com) ($100). I had bought from them before and was a happy customer. I sent them an email inquiring if 4GB would work OK with Boot Camp. Unfortunately, they never replied to me at all. I bought from them before, and I liked that they publicized their findings about using 4GB RAM with MacBooks and Mac Minis.

Anyway, I was a bit annoyed by the lack of response to my email. I ended up buying at my local Fry's for $90 with a $30 rebate=$60

Here is a link to a Hi-Res JPEG of the Crucial RAM packaging in case anyone's interested (2.2 MB):

I originally wanted to buy my RAM from OWC (macsales.com) ($100). I had bought from them before and was a happy customer. I sent them an email inquiring if 4GB would work OK with Boot Camp. Unfortunately, they never replied to me at all. I bought from them before, and I liked that they publicized their findings about using 4GB RAM with MacBooks and Mac Minis.

Very happy. Thank you to everyone, and I hope my info helps others too.

Cheers.

That's too bad about their email service, they're a great company! Having worked in tech support jobs in the past, my advice is that if you can get a live person, do it - that's the best method because then they're on the spot and talking to you live. OWC actually has a Live Chat feature on their site, so if you snag them during their normal business hours you can usually chat with a knowledgable rep and you don't have to phone in (personally I prefer Live Chat because it's easier to send links and cut-and-paste technical terms instead of trying to speak them verbally over the telephone, haha).

When you say that 4GB RAM works excellently with 10.5.3, do you mean that the 2x2GB sticks showing up as 3GB works fine, or does 10.5.3 now recognize the full 4 gigs? I'm assuming it's just working smoothly while recognizing 3GB RAM, but I just want to be sure

With either 4GB or 3GB, the computer per Activity Monitor (not "About this Mac" menu) will only recognize 3GB.

By going with 4GB, there is a very slight performance benefit of having "matched pairs" of memory sticks.

In addition, I already cracked the Mac Mini open. The RAM was dirt cheap at $60 for 4GB, so that's what I put in.

I'm sure there's a technical reason Apple caps the specs at 2GB of RAM. Regardless, with 4GB everything works fine for me so far.

Regarding tech support, email is great. The representative can take their time to find the answer. Oftentimes, when a customer calls in the representative has no clue what is going on , so the customer ends up waiting while the rep looks things up in a database or asks a supervisor, etc.

Email is very convenient. As are forums. No company of any size should just plain old ignore a customer and never respond. That's an instant no-sale. They spend tons of money advertising, but can't even respond to an email. This isn't just about OWC. It's about any company generally.